LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware Hosts Awards Ceremony Recognizing the Outstanding Dedication of Aging Services Providers

HAMILTON–The LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware 2022 Awards Program is scheduled for Wednesday, February 16^th at The BoatHouse at Mercer Lake, located in West Windsor, New Jersey from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.  The program will recognize the ways that winners are making a difference in the lives of older adults, colleagues, and their local community.  Award recipients include heroic staff from across the aging services continuum, serving residents in nursing homes, assisted living residences, homecare and independent senior affordable housing communities.

“On behalf of our association, I congratulate all award winners. They have been working tirelessly and are shining examples of excellence in aging services in our states,” said LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware President & CEO James McCracken.

Bonnie Kelly, Executive Director of Ridge Oak located in Basking Ridge, a senior affordable housing community, is the recipient of the association’s most prestigious honor, the President’s Award.

“I feel blessed to live at Ridge Oak and have someone like Bonnie watching over me and the other residents. She truly takes time to get to know us all,” said Darleen Droege, a Ridge Oak resident for the last seven years.

Shannen Rivers, Ridge Oak’s Certified Healthcare Safety Professional Coordinator, commented on Bonnie’s leadership. “Bonnie is the driving force behind the success of all her employees and the Ridge Oak Community. She is an inspiring presence that make us all strive to be better.”

This highly coveted award recognizes Bonnie’s distinguished 22-year career of service and achievement in the field of senior affordable housing.

Furthermore, LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware has awarded Carol Silver Elliott, President & CEO of Jewish Home Family, located in Rockleigh, the Life Time Achievement Award.

This award recognizes Carol’s distinguished 20-year career in aging services. Carol has exemplified foresight, leadership, and a commitment to advancing aging services.

Additionally, LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware has awarded the following individuals and organizations:

Excellence in Care Award

Elizabeth Ibitayo, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Daughters of Israel, West Orange, NJ

Justina Gilliam, Physical Therapist, The Evergreens, Acts Retirement Life Communities, Moorestown, NJ

Nancy Reyes, Community Health Worker, Fair Share Support Services, Mt Laurel Township, NJ

Excellence in Community Service Award

The Jewish Home Family, Rockleigh, NJ

Excellence in Professional Advancement Award

Andrew Van Orden, Director of Rehabilitation & Wellness, Fellowship Senior Living, Basking Ridge, NJ

Tina Valente, Employee Relations Business Partner, Applewood, Freehold, NJ

Excellence in Innovation Award

Travis Gleinig, Chief Information Officer, United Methodist Communities, Neptune, NJ

Excellence in Leadership Award

Thomas P. Sheehy, Jr, Administrator, Peace Care St Joseph’s, Jersey City, NJ

Tanya Sweet-Preston, Housing Administrator, Bishop Taylor, East Orange, NJ

Diane Willoughby, Delaware Program Director, Springpoint Choice, Plainsboro, NJ

LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware is a bi-statewide association of primarily not-for-profit, mission-driven senior care organizations and is dedicated to advancing quality aging services in New Jersey and Delaware through advocacy, education and fellowship. Together with our national partner, LeadingAge, we advance policies, promote practices and conduct research that supports, enables and empowers people to live fully as they age.